Liverpool FC Forum

[zarababe]

Yes I've just read the article...here's hoping.

If we now end-up buying Hargreaves...that will be a huge step backwords..he's rubbish.. we need talented people.. If Hamman goes that's his call...bring on the a midfiled maestro not also ran!

[115-1073096938]

Edu is a play maker with good feet passing and vision.

Silva is a defensive player... but thats Arsenal, who cares?

We need someone to compliment Gerrard. Hargreaves won't do that.

He's far to similar. We need a Joe Cole or Paul Scholes in there with him.

[zarababe]

Yes I've just read the article...here's hoping.

If we now end-up buying Hargreaves...that will be a huge step backwords..he's rubbish.. we need talented people.. If Hamman goes that's his call...bring on a midfiled maestro not an also ran!

[stmichael]

i tell you what stu, me and you have been the two foremost people on this board defending scholesy amidst his recent england performances. i don't hear anyone slagging him off now after his WORLD CLASS display of passing on saturday.

form is temporary, class is permanent. us dropping scholes would be like france dropping zidane. just ask patrick vieira.

[115-1073096938]

A bit dramatic but yeah.

Englands midfield should be:

Barry, Scholes, Gerrard, Beckham.

The only position that could and should be questioned is who to play on the left. I think Barry would be the answer. There is no doubt though that the other three are certain starters. Gerrard and Beckham are world class and Scholes is top class and probably one of the best in his catorgary of player.

[Sean]

Somebody mentioned that Benitez will be bringing his no. 2 from Valencia.  Is that good for us ?  What are his credentials

[ckay]

Hey lads, as I've stated in another thread. I owe Paul Scholes an apology. He was great on saturday on the left.

[JBG]

Owen Hargreaves isn't rubbish.

People shouldn't judge him on his English performances where Erickson plays him all over the place in fits and starts.

He is a kenetic midfielder similar to Steven Gerrard when he plays for Bayern Munich, and was man of the match in the 2001 CL final.

We could do a lot worse than sign Hargreaves, but at the moment a more creative, goal scoring central midfielder is what is required.

[JBG]

Hey lads, as I've stated in another thread. I owe Paul Scholes an apology. He was great on saturday on the left.

In fairness, against rubbish opposition who promised before the match (Eidur Gudjohnsen) that they wouldn't tackle.

I'm a big fan of Scholes but it looks like he's been cursed with the same luck as Barnes and Beardsley when he plays for England.

[stmichael]

LIVERPOOL are on the brink of confirming Rafael Benitez's appointment as manager.

The ex-Valencia coach is heading to Merseyside to rubber-stamp his position as the 16th manager at Anfield.

Liverpool are now preparing an official announcement and Benitez could be in the job within the next 48 hours. Chief executive Rick Parry returned from holiday over the weekend to finalise details of an outstanding selection.

No last ditch problems are anticipated when further talks are held with the 44-year-old coach today.

Benitez was always the Reds' first choice to replace Gerard Houllier, despite speculation linking the club with the likes of Alan Curbishley and Jose Mourinho.

From the early stages, it was clear Benitez fit the bill as he boasts an impressive mix of European flair and a studious knowledge of the English game.

Benitez was known to be disillusioned with life at the Spanish champions and eager to test himself in the Premiership.

From the moment he quit the UEFA Cup holders last week, he was in regular contact with Anfield officials.

His arrival looks sure to convince Michael Owen to pledge his immediate future to the club.

Owen is known to be a huge admirer of Valencia's style of football and has admitted in the past the Spanish champions are one of the most impressive teams he's faced.

Any prospect of a successful Chelsea bid for Steven Gerrard after Euro 2004 also looks doomed, especially if the Madri d -born coach recruits some of the Valencia players believed to be on his wanted list at Anfield.

Further changes in the structure of the back-room team are anticipated following Benitez's arrival.

His Valencia assistant Francisco Ayestaran has followed Benitez in the past. He moved with him from Tenerife to the Mestalla Stadium four years ago, although it's still unclear if he'll follow Benitez to Anfield.

If he does, it is likely to affect Phil Thompson, who hasn't been guaranteed a job under the new regime.

Sammy Lee, who speaks fluent Spanish from his time playing for Osasuna, is likely to stay at Liverpool.

Ian Rush, currently studying for the coveted UEFA 'pro' licence, is also understood to be a popular choice among the squad and supporters for a more permanent role.

[Leonmc0708]

Liverpool hope to unveil Rafa Benitez as new manager inside the next 48 hours.
 
The Guardian says a final round of talks will take place early this week to smooth the finer details of the deal, believed to be a four-year contract worth £25,000 a week, which will virtually double the salary Benítez enjoyed in winning the Spanish League title last season.

Liverpool are anxious to conclude the matter ahead of the start of Euro 2004 as that will give Benítez time to assess squad strengthening this summer.

Benitez's assistant at Valencia, Francisco Ayestaran, will follow him to Anfield.

you have got twenty four hours left then.

[zarababe]

Yes.. 24 hours left and no mention of it in today's press.. Any news on Merseyside about press conferences being called for tommorrow?

[Paul C]

I haven't done any work today, all I've done is check the BBC Sport, TeamTalk and Sky Sports websites for press conference announcements and I'll probably do the same tomorrow. 

I just wish they would get their finger out and make it official 

[Sean]

I reckon the only reason Rick Parry went on holiday was because he wants a nice sun tan for the press conference and look well on Sky Sports.